Music Workstation

The cynics will say the W30 is nothing but a repackaging exercise on Roland's part, but Simon Trask looks a little deeper. Do a combined sampler and sequencer make the ideal workstation?

The Mix (1)

Part 15. David Mellor looks at how to create the perfect mix.

Location Recording

Part 13: Location recording. David Mellor bundles his recording gear into the boot of a car and drives off into the unknown.

The latest Steve Hackett album 'Till We Have Faces' is rock music's first flirtation with Ambisonic 'surround' sound. Steve explains how it has affected his whole approach to the recording of his music.

Brother to the MT44D multitrack recorder, this little mixer has stood the test of time.

Mark King, master bassist with a string of hit albums to his name as leader of Level 42, has reaped many of the rewards that pop stardom can bring — but satisfaction with the music industry is never guaranteed, as Paul Tingen discovers.

Information Society's combination of funk, hip hop, sampling and Star Trek give them a particular perspective on modern music making. Society spokesperson: Deborah Parisi.

With SUPER MRC Software

When Roland's forward-thinking design team made the original MC500 an ‘open’ system, they did users a favour. Built-in obsolescence became less of a fear, provided Roland stuck to their promise of future updates and upgrades. The release of the Super MRC software shows they have. It's available on its own for existing MC500 owners, or packaged with expanded hardware in the guise of the MC500 MkII. Paul Ireson keeps you updated.

As Britain’s brightest electro-poppers climb back up the charts against all the odds, Tim Goodyer talks to Larry Steinbachek about beat, music composition on a QX1, and facing the world with a new voice.

From the ashes of the ill-fated Linn 9000, Roger Linn and Akai have brought forth the MPC60. Simon Trask takes a look at this powerful drum machine and sequencer.

Still in his early 30s, yet a man who's worked with The Police, Genesis, Bowie and McCartney, Padgham is one of the most successful young producers in the world. Paul Tingen coaxes him into revealing a few secrets.

The Best of British

Britain's booming hi-tech music industry.

Human Rhythm Composer

Since the days of the TR808, Roland have set standards for many other drum machines; now they're concentrating on the human angle. Simon Trask tests the "Human Rhythm Composer".

John Harris draws on personal experience to reveal some of the problems encountered when recording TV pop music programmes.

our answers to the common cassetting problems

our cures for common recording complaints

Drum Machine

As the drum machine goes from strength to strength, Yamaha give it a new dimension by adding a synth-style "bend" wheel. Simon Trask wonders if the beatbox will ever be the same again.

Fostex Synchroniser & Sync Controller

Having familiarised you hopefully with the jargon and workings of synchronisers through his 'Using Timecodes' series, Francis Rumsey now turns his critical eye to the most affordable synchroniser/controller set-up available: the Model 4030/4035 from Fostex.

Recently returned from South Africa, Greg Cutler talks to Janet Angus about music, recording and how to cope with pythons.

The Big Dream

Tony Reed takes the high road to Kilburn

A look behind the scenes in one of the country's most respected voice-over studios.

From the chart success of 'Bass (How Low Can You Go)' to an album and a 24-track studio in his lounge - Simon Harris talks sounds and samples with Tim Goodyer.

Ripping Yarns from Perth popsters

interacting with the future

The automation of creation

Janet Angus talks to Robin about practically everything.

Your chance to find out what new goodies will be appearing in your local music store over the coming months.